Kovac Takes the Reins: Former Bayern Munich Coach to Lead Dortmund

Niko Kovac has been appointed as the new head coach of Borussia Dortmund, signing an 18-month deal to take over the struggling Bundesliga side until 2026.

Borussia Dortmund has appointed Niko Kovac as their new coach, with the 53-year-old signing an 18-month deal that will keep him at the club until 2026. Sporting director Lars Ricken confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, saying, “I can confirm we have reached an agreement (with Kovac).” Kovac will replace Nuri Sahin, who was sacked last week, and will take over from interim coach Mike Tullberg on Sunday.

Ricken revealed that Tullberg would lead the team for one more game, saying, “Mike Tullberg will lead the team on Saturday (in the league against Heidenheim), before Niko takes over on Sunday.” The news of Kovac's appointment was first reported by German daily Bild, which stated that Kovac and Dortmund had reached a “basic agreement” on the deal. Kovac was reportedly unwilling to accept a deal that would only last until the end of the current season.

Welcome, Niko! ✍️

Borussia Dortmund has appointed Niko Kovač as their new head coach. The 53-year-old, born in Berlin, has signed a contract with BVB until June 30, 2026, and will officially take charge next Sunday after the club’s Bundesliga match against Heidenheim. pic.twitter.com/O6hPBoCxn2

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 30, 2025

Kovac, a former Croatia international, has a proven track record in German football. He won the German Cup with Eintracht Frankfurt against Bayern in 2018 and then took over as Bayern coach, leading the team to a league and cup double in 2018-19. However, his tenure at Bayern was short-lived, and he was let go by the club midway through the following season. Kovac is known for his disciplinarian style and focus on fitness, which will likely be key factors in his approach at Dortmund.

Dortmund has struggled since reaching last season's Champions League final and currently sits 11th in the Bundesliga, 22 points behind leaders Bayern. The team has won just one of their past eight games domestically, and Kovac will face a significant challenge in turning their season around. With his experience and coaching style, Kovac will be expected to bring discipline and stability to the team, and help them climb the Bundesliga table.